Sorption-Extraction Processes in Uranium Hydrometallurgy: Coextraction of Valuable Components and Dual-Purpose Technology

Abstract

Sorption-extraction processes for obtaining finished coproducts during processing of uranium ores with valuable components, such as Mo, V, W, Re, Au, Sc, rare-earth elements, Y, Cs, Cu, Ta, Nb, Zr, Hf, Mn, Sn, and Se, are described. Special attention is focused on experience in extraction decontamination of phosphoric acid with its uranium and thorium content decreased by a factor of 20 and obtaining from it ecologically pure phosphate fertilizers and feed phosphates.

Data are generalized for three variants of profitable coproduction of the final products: sorption and desorption of valuable components together with uranium and separation of the extracted components at the extraction refining stage; sorption of variable components together with uranium and separation of the components at the desorption stage; separate sorption extraction of uranium and valuable components on selective and highly concentrating ionites. 1 figure.